by Staff WritersUPI CorrespondentMinneapolis (UPI) Nov 02, 2006
A U.S. research team says it has invented a "reactive flash volatilization process" that converts soy oil and sugar into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The mixture called synthesis gas, or syngas, is used to make chemicals and fuels, including gasoline, and the new process works up to 100 times faster than current technology.

In addition, the University of Minnesota scientists say their new technology requires no fossil fuels and works in reactors at least 10 times smaller than current models.

"It's a way to take cheap, worthless biomass and turn it into useful fuels and chemicals," said team leader Lanny Schmidt, a professor of chemical engineering and materials science. "Potentially, the biomass could be used cooking oil or even products from cow manure, yard clippings, cornstalks or trees."

Schmidt and his colleagues -- graduate students James Salge, Brady Dreyer and Paul Dauenhauer -- have produced a pound of synthesis gas in just one day using their small-scale reactor.

Schmidt gained national attention in February 2004, when a team he headed invented a similar technology to produce hydrogen from ethanol.

Hickam Testing New Deployable Hydrogen Refueling StationHickam AFB HI (AFNS) Nov 02, 2006
As the Air Force continues to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, vehicles and aircraft operations the 15th Airlift Wing will be doing its part by serving as a test bed for a new modular deployable hydrogen refueling station. Awarded the contract two years ago, HydraFLX Systems LLC is providing their system as a research and development program for the Air Force to evaluate the feasibility of hydrogen refueling on the flight line.

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